9-15 Dec: Saxon East's week

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It’s been a week of big parties, big hangovers and even bigger stories

Wednesday

I’m at the Institute of Insurance Brokers’ swansong House of Commons reception, where I say hello to ex-Willis chief executive Brendan McManus. Good to see him out and about in town in high spirits and looking forward to the challenge that awaits at Giles. I’m shaking off a bit of a hangover after last night’s Insurance Times Awards. I cringe as I vaguely remember being at the front of a conga that snaked its away around the Battersea Evolution centre.

Thursday

I make it down to the Swinton cocktail bash - always a good one. Bump into Ink Underwriting boss Mike Smith, who tells me that he’s doing the Ho Chi Minh bike trail next year.

I thought I had it hard cycling with a 14-stone frame, so imagine grinding uphill with 22 stone. Nevertheless, Smith remains confident.

Friday

It’s looking ever more likely that Groupama UK is going to be sold. I wonder who the buyers will be? Meanwhile, AXA’s broker boss Mike Keating exits the company after a long career at the French insurer. He’ll probably resurface somewhere soon. If I were a betting man, I’d say it will be with a broking outfit. I’m picking up a rumour that investors are getting tickled by the prospect of a takeover for Homeserve. With all the recent FSA problems, that would make an interesting acquisition.